Cycling the Wine Route of Pelješac

Secrets of Croatia’s most famous wine county with Mario Bartulović

Experience the top wines of Croatia on two wheels! With the dramatic beauty of the Pelješac Peninsula enveloping you and your host Mario’s enthusiasm carrying you along the incredibly scenic cycling route, combine the two drawcards of this stunning region near Dubrovnik in one memorable visit. The rugged, unspoiled peninsula stretches for 65 kilometers, with bucolic Mediterranean scenery end to end and its main, winding road passing through small villages and farmland, with vineyards stretching up the steep slopes and valleys. In the heartland of the south Dalmatia, Mario will lead you through the story of the wines of the peninsula, the one indelibly tied to the culture, land and people.

Tour description

Meet Mario Bartulović, your energetic guide and an avid winemaker. At the center of the peninsula, in the historic village of Prizdrina, Mario’s ancestors settled over 500 years ago and have been producing wine ever since. At one time, Mario tried moving away to the city but ended up returning to Pelješac as he longed for the spectacular scenery, fresh air and a life focused around living in harmony with nature.

Hop onto your bikes and embark on a discovery trip through Mario’s favorite parts of the peninsula, taking in the bucolic scenery of vineyards and olive grove as you pedal along the country road. Visit Kuna Pelješka, a small village known for its historic wine cooperative and also the works of the modern painter of early 1900s, Celestin Medović. You will roll down along one of the most scenic parts of the route towards Trstenik, a picturesque village set in a quiet bay and home to the wine cellar of one of California’s favorite Croats - Mike Grgich. On the backdrop of some incredibly scenic views of the Pelješac canal, make your way to Žuljana, a pristine cove of the turquoise sea.

Following your return to Prizdrina, taste the fruits of Mario’s labor – the Bartulović selection of wines, along with some typical local foods prepared by his mother and sister - another reason he was drawn back home to the peninsula! A glorious day of scenery and making friends with some true locals.

This tour is fully private and on request only.

Tour includes collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation in Dubrovnik, Orebić or Korčula by your host Mario Bartulović, professional cycling equipment, wine tasting at two of the most important wine cellars in the region, wine tasting and lunch at the Bartulović wine cellar.

Secret Dalmatia's Cycling tour of Pelješac with Mario Bartulović is one of our most requested programs, hence we advise that you book early so to avoid disappointment.

Get active in Pelješac

With much rave about its oysters, mussels and wine, Pelješac may seem like it’s all about indulgence, but if you please, Croatia’s second largest peninsula will make you work for your lunch: the walk on the ancient walls of Ston brims with fantastic panoramas of its historic saltpans, red rooftops and blue seas in the distance, Napoleon’s trail is a beautiful hiking scenery through untouched nature and Viganj, almost at the tip of peninsula, awaits windsurfers with some of the best winds in Croatia!

Tour type

What kind of tour do you prefer?

Each experience with Secret Dalmatia is unique in its own way: by tailored design, bold encounters, off-the-beaten path corners, and meticulous planning. To get to know gems like the town of Hvar or Zagreb, choose one of the classic walking tours, highlighting history, culture and local lifestyles. But to truly get away, our day trips transport you from the hustle and bustle into historic olive groves, petit wineries, ancient archeological sites and local homes.

Our tours strive to leave you with a ‘travelers’ epiphany’: a sense of having discovered the subtleties of our region which you wouldn’t discern otherwise. Whether you wish to take in the undiscovered Dalmatian hinterland, escape to the Adriatic Sea for an island-hopping cruise, or merely sip champagne under the Walls of Dubrovnik, Secret Dalmatia's exclusive small group Croatia tours exemplify travel and leisure in Croatia.

If you want us to discuss the program over the phone or Skype, please let us know when would be the best time to call you or call us.

If you are a professional, certified travel agent whose clients are seeking an unforgettable travel experience in Croatia, we would be pleased to work with you.